Over the last several years the department says they’ve seen calls steadily increasing.

In early 2012, the city council voted to reduce the number of fire medics they employ in order to try and balance the city’s budget deficit.

Even with those constraints the Fire Department says average response times for ambulances, fire trucks and other emergency vehicles remain at nationally recommended levels.

Fire Chief John TeKippe said, “The volume and high level of service provided by our firefighters really reflects the professionalism and dedication they bring to work every day. Our people are the very best and I am proud of them.”